The designer who shows a talent for diverse design problems will want to show that he or she can create a Web project. But, just how much do you need to know about Web design? Is the ability to code important? How important is it to have a wide range of software capabilities? In this article, Linda discusses the impact that Web design can add to your presentation and how to present your skills and talents in this area through your portfolio and in your CV or resume.

The Portfolio Project: Web Design

PORTFOLIO PROJECT: Web Design. As a multi-talented designer with an eye on an ArtDirector’s position, you want to include Web design projects in your portfolio. You then must decide what type of Web design to include on ONE or TWO PAGES within that portfolio. If you go beyond this, you no longer become a multi-talented designer. You become a Web designer, and you limit your ability to climb the multi-talented career ladder. This project will help you to decide which TWO to THREE screenshots to use in your presentation, and where you can tell the employer or client about the skills that you entertain in this field.

TOOLS: Preferably Dreamweaver for Web design projects. In addition, you’ll need to utilize a sketchbook to show the potential employer or client that you know how to think out a project before you sit down to create the site. Your skills with a sophisticated graphics program, such as Photoshop or CorelDraw will show that you know how to apply projects from these software programs to your Website designs. The ability to work in Flash is very, very helpful.

WHAT YOU’LL ACCOMPLISH: This tutorial will help you to define your skills as a Web designer so that you can make the decision about whether to stick to Web design or to expand your portfolio to include other talents.

Linda Goin carries an A.A. in graphic design, a B.F.A. in visual communications with a minor in business and marketing and an M.A. in American History with a minor in the Reformation. While the latter degree doesn't seem to fit with the first two educational experiences, Linda used her 25-year design expertise on archaeological digs and in the study of material culture. Now she uses her education and experiences in social media experiments.

Accolades for her work include fifteen first-place Colorado Press Association awards, numerous fine art and graphic design awards, and interviews about content development with The Wall St. Journal, Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, and L.A. Times.